Adele Johnson

Adele Christine (Bauman) Johnson, 69, of Willmar transitioned peacefully into eternal life on December 9, 2024, surrounded by her family at CentraCare Rice Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Her celebration of life will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 14, at Willmar Assembly of God. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday at the church and continue one-hour prior to her service. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials to be given to an organization important to Adele.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. 

Adele was born to Lloyd and Patricia Bauman on September 10, 1955, and she spent her childhood on her family’s farm in Kerkhoven with her brothers and sisters. Growing up, Adele was active in 4-H, regularly showing sheep and cattle, and excelling in dress review. She graduated from Kerkhoven-Sunburg High School in 1973. Later in life, Adele served on the class reunion committee and remained active in bringing her classmates together to reminisce about the good times and maintain strong childhood friendships. 

After graduation, Adele went to Canby Vo-Tech school for dental assisting where she made more lifelong friends and started her career. In the mid-1970s, Adele met and fell in love with Lee Johnson. In April 1977, they were married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. 

Adele gave birth to her first son, Philip, in 1985 and her second son, Peter, in 1988. She was an intentional and thoughtful mother – the kind of mom who made homemade Halloween costumes for her kids, showed up for the big moments, and never missed a chance to enjoy a day at the State Fair with her family every year. As her sons grew up, Adele welcomed new daughters to her family with open arms, and - just like her beloved garden - she loved watching her family grow. 

Adele excelled as a grandma. “Ama,” as her grandchildren called her, always made her grandkids’ favorite recipes, stimulated tiny minds with fun crafts, was always up for a Culver’s run, and poured herself into her grandkids’ interests, even becoming a NASCAR fan later in her life. 

Adele was a woman of many talents, and was noted as a skillful gardener, expert seamstress and quilter. Her work will live on in the homes of her many loved ones and friends. As a woman of faith, Adele was active with her Willmar AG church community, volunteering as a member of the quilting group, and regularly helping out with the church’s needs. 

Adele lived a beautiful life full of love and contentment. She surrounded herself with the things that brought joy to her heart – her family, cozy quilts, treasured lifelong friends, and beautiful blooms. 

Adele is survived by her husband of 47 years, Lee Johnson; sons: Philip (Emily) and Peter (Lauren); grandchildren: Silas, Gabriel and Lucy; sisters: Pam Jones and Karen (Steve) Rumsey; brothers: Jeff (Bobbi) and Roger (Doris); her many wonderful in-laws; lots of nieces and nephews; and many special friends from the many chapters of her life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Adele Johnson, please visit our floral store.